Spring is officially here, and while we are likely to get hit with at least one more round of winter-like weather, sunny days and warmer temps are on their way. Along with the improved weather comes the beginning of the travel season. This year, in particular, is likely to be busier than usual as families begin to venture out again after more than a year of limited activities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping your vehicle maintained can help avoid the headaches of breaking down and reduce the possibility of an accident. Taking the time to check just a few items could also help prevent a vehicle accident caused by faulty equipment.
Basic Maintenance Goes a Long Way
Before you get on the road for your first trip of the spring, it is important to make sure your vehicle is ready. Driving in spring weather is different from winter driving, and your car should be maintained properly to account for the differences. The good news is that most of the necessary maintenance tasks are fairly easy, including:
-
Check your tires: Vehicle owners should check the tires once a month, making sure the tires are at the correct pressure. This is important not only for good gas mileage but it is also important if emergency driving situations should come up. You should check the tread on the tire as well, looking for any signs of uneven wear, which could indicate an alignment is needed. And don’t forget to check your spare tire too.
-
Regular oil changes: Make sure to change the vehicle’s oil as recommended. If you have an older vehicle, you might consider switching to high-mileage oil. You should also check the oil once a month and add more if necessary.
-
Preventing overheating: Overheating can be a serious problem in the spring and summer months, so it is important to clean out around the radiator and remove any debris that may have accumulated over the fall and winter months. Depending on your vehicle, you might need to flush out and refill the coolant system every two years. Regardless, you should periodically check the coolant level and fill if needed, and in the warmer months, the coolant should be a mix of 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent water.
-
Air conditioning and air filters: Have the air conditioning system, as well as the related belts and hoses checked by a qualified mechanic at the beginning of the season. Also, have other vehicle filters, including cabin and engine air filters, checked and changed if necessary.
-
Replace your windshield wipers: Check the windshield wipers and if they are worn out, have them replaced. Dirty windshields can hamper visibility and could cause an accident. Even worse, torn or worn wipers can leave streaks in your immediate line of sight.
-
Headlights, brake lights, and signal lights: Check all the lights in the vehicle and replace any burnt-out bulbs. Broken bulbs can create confusion for other drivers when you are driving, especially at night.
Contact a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer
You could do everything right with your vehicle and still be injured in a crash because of someone else’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been hurt in such an accident, contact a Cook County car accident attorney. Call 312-804-6102 for a free consultation at Livas Law Group, A Division of Kralovec, Jambois & Schwartz, today.
Sources:
https://www.travelmarketreport.com/articles/Op-ed-Five-Travel-Predictions-for-2021